止觀輔行傳弘決 7.7

7.7

Next, from "Therefore" downward, it clarifies the rationale for what follows. In this, the initial text briefly clarifies the rationale. As for the universal refutation and pass and blockage above, if one is not enlightened, it is because there is no harmonization. From "The true dharma" downward, it explains the dharma realized by the limbs of the path just mentioned. From the initial abode upward, one partially attains the taintless; from before that, all are called tainted. Therefore, the harmonization of the limbs of the path in the initial mind can serve as the cause for the taintless [state] of the initial abode. From "Like brewing liquor" downward, a metaphor is adduced. In this land, one uses wheat koji as ferment; in the western regions, they sometimes use grass and flowers as ferment. The true dharma in delusion is like water and rice; the harmonization of the limbs of the path is like fermentation and heat; when harmonization attains its proper measure, it transforms tainted rice into taintless liquor; when harmonization loses its measure, the flavor of the principle is not accomplished. Next, citing the Dazhidulun proves the necessity of the limbs of the path, because they can serve as the proximate cause for the taintless. As the Dazhidulun says, "Impurity opens the mindfulness of the body; the mindfulness of the body opens the four stations of mindfulness; the four stations of mindfulness open the limbs of the path; the limbs of the path open the three liberations; the three liberations open nirvāṇa." Nirvāṇa is taintless, so the tainted can serve as the cause and condition for the taintless. Although the text of the treatise begins with impurity, the wording temporarily pertains to the Small, but its principal focus is in the Mahāyāna gate. In accordance with the differences among the teachings, the contemplation of the principle is distinct in each, yet all have the tainted serving as the cause for the taintless, and following the limbs of the path, it next clarifies the three liberations.